Florence "Nickie" Thompson

Florence Nichols "Nickie" Thompson passed away peacefully at the age of 95 on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, at Countryside at Rock Springs in Harrison.
She was born June 23, 1930, in McCondy, Mississippi, to Shelby Topp and Nannie Lee Westbrook Nichols. She was the youngest of eight siblings, six brothers and two sisters. Her formative years were spent on her family's farm in Mississippi. After high school she attended Delta State in Cleveland, Mississippi, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in education. While at Delta State, her cousin arranged a blind date to a Methodist youth meeting with Elkin Henry "Hank" Thompson. They fell in love, married in 1952, and shared a beautiful love story for 73 years.
Following their marriage, Nickie taught in Osceola, Arkansas, American Samoa, and with the Canal Zone Schools in the Panama Canal Zone, Rep. of Panama. Her teaching career spanned 35 years, inspiring countless young minds. After retirement Nickie and Hank made their home in Harrison. She was a faithful member of the First United Methodist Church, a member of the Nellie Dyer Circle, and long-standing member of their Sunday school class. She was a member of Chapter H, P. E. O., and the Hoe and Hope Garden Club. She enjoyed birdwatching, hiking jigsaw puzzles, and crafts. She loved wearing hats and was classy and stylish wearing them. Her love language was serving and cooking for others. She was a wonderful southern cook!
Nickie had a love of travel. This began when she and Hank decided to take a teaching assignment in Pago Pago, American Samoa. Having not traveled much at all, she bravely took her daughters, aged three and six, on the adventure. This is where the Thompson family love of travel was born. They continued their travels across the globe to the South Pacific, Australia, New Zealand, South America, and Europe. She especially loved traveling to Italy where her daughter Sharon lives. Closer to home, she and Hank enjoyed traveling the U. S. in their R. V. to include four road trips to Alaska and back. She loved visiting Ouray, Colorado, and had a favorite bench to sit and people watch.
Friends and family describe her as a quiet, gentle sweet southern lady. She was loved and respected by many. She never sought the forefront but was a true force behind the scenes. She was a loving wife, mother, and Mimi, who adored her family. The greatest gift she gave her family was a solid Christian foundation. Her love for the Lord was woven in every aspect of her life. Nickie was preceded in death by her parents and siblings.
She is survived by her loving husband, Elkin Henry "Hank" Thompson of Harrison; her daughters, Pam Thompson (Mike) Little of Jacksonville Beach, Florida and Sharon Thompson (Luciano) Trevisan of Aviano, Italy/Branson, Missouri; her grandchildren, Dr. Jacob (Lauren) Langston and Jillian Langston (Reid) Hunter; her great-grandchildren who she was especially happy to know, William and Amelia Langston; and other relatives and friends.
The funeral will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, September 23, 2025, at First United Methodist Church at Harrison, with the Rev. Dr. Angie Gage and the Rev. Dave Smith officiating. Burial will be private in Maplewood Cemetery under the direction of Holt Memorial Chapel.
Pallbearers will be Dr. Jacob Langston, Reid Hunter, Mike Little, and Lloyd Johnson.
There will be an open visitation from 11 am to 5 p.m. on Monday at the funeral home.
The family extends their deepest gratitude to Dr. Tom Langston as her family physician, and the staff and administration of Countryside Assisted Living. Their kindness and compassion brought comfort to all of us in her final days.
The online obituary and guestbook are available at www.HoltChapel.com.